Thursday, August 31, 2017

If not opioids, then what, Doc?

That is the Million Dollar question for thousands of people who just want the pain to stop.As promised in my last blog post, here in one doctor's opinion on the matter:Dr. Robert H. Smerling, MD, Faculty Editor and a regular contributor to the Harvard Health Publication writes this in his recent entry Here's something completely different for back pain:

"A recent study found that NSAIDs did not work well for back pain. But, new recommendations take that conclusion even further: it may be best to avoid medications altogether — at least at the start.

The American College of Physicians has just come out with new guidelines for the treatment of low back pain based on a review of more than 150 studies. The big news? Medications tend to have only temporary and modest benefits, so it makes sense to try something other than a pill. The specifics depend on the type and duration of back pain.

For new low back pain (lasting less than 12 weeks), try:

heat

massage

acupuncture

spinal manipulation, as with chiropractic care.

If these don’t work, NSAIDs or a muscle relaxant are reasonable options. But given their potential to cause side effects and their modest benefit, they aren’t the first choice.

Other approaches, such as tai chi, yoga, or progressive relaxation techniques may also be helpful.

If these don’t work, treatment with NSAIDs, tramadol, or duloxetine is worth consideration. However, opioids should be considered only if other measures have failed and only after a thorough review of potential benefits and risks with your doctor.

It’s important to emphasize these suggestions are for low back pain that might begin after an unusually strenuous workout or shoveling snow. It’s not for serious causes of back pain such as a major injury, cancer, infection, or fractures (see “red flag” symptoms below).

What if the pain continues?

If pain persists despite these non-medication and medication-based treatments, your doctor may want to consider additional tests (such as MRI) or treatments. Remember, each person’s situation is a little different, and even medications that don’t work well on average, may work well for you.

You could see this coming?

It’s been known for years that the vast majority of low back pain goes away on its own, regardless of treatment. So, the challenge has been to find something that safely eases symptoms while waiting for improvement.

How do I know it’s nothing serious?

You don’t. But, you should be reassured that the numbers are with you. Ninety-nine percent or more of people with low back pain do not have a serious cause. But to help make sure your back isn’t in that small sliver of dangerous causes, doctors use the “red flag” questions:

Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer?

Have you experienced unexplained or unintentional weight loss?

Do you have an abnormal immune system (due to disease or medications)?

Do you use intravenous drugs?

Have you had a fever recently?

Have you had significant injury to your back recently?

Have you had bladder or bowel incontinence?

These questions and a physical examination are intended to identify factors that would increase the chances that your back pain is due to infection, tumor, or other serious cause.

So, what?

These new guidelines endorse an approach to treating a common ailment that only a few years ago would have seemed outrageous. The remedies recommended are not brand new; but discouraging medication use as an initial step is a big departure from prior recommendations. An email alert I received just after these guidelines were published included the headline: “Take two yoga classes and call me next month?” It may not be such a bad idea!

Medical practice rarely changes right away, and these guidelines may have relatively little impact in the short run. But I would not be surprised if non-pharmacological treatment of back pain becomes the norm over time. Many of my patients already seek out these treatments regardless of whether I recommend them. After all, the “usual” medications for low back pain are not all that effective and often cause trouble. It’s time we recognize that there are other, better ways to help."

So there you have it. Some viable and productive options for the treatment of mild to moderate acute onset back pain. I strongly believe in exhausting all conservative means of pain control prior to taking narcotic pain relievers that simply mask symptoms and potentially create issues greater than the pain itself. Remember, as someone much more interesting than I one said "knowledge is power". So load up and take care of YOU.Until next time, be well and PINPOINT THE POSITIVE!

1 comment:

What does someone do in my situation? I saw the surgeon who suggests pain management over more surgery? I did the decade of pain killers and they are what gave my functionality in life. I was able to work and be somewhat active. After stopping them for 18 months, I have gained 50 lbs, my mental state is a trainwreck due to the inability to even walk without a cane or assistance, the pain levels are so intense at times, you literally want to go to an ER and never leave. Where is the fine line? The war on pain patients( real ones) makes many of us try everything else under the sun for help while the addicts and abusers hit the pill mills with no problem, not caring the damage they are causing others. I don't know, I just saw your blog and thought I would respond. I am active with pro-pain patient rights groups but honestly, nobody listens or cares. If we had cancer, then its considered a real disease. Soon as I finish up with cardiology, which is hopefully coming to a conclusion Sept 4th, I will make an appt and chat with you some about options. I really appreciated your taking the time to listen before. It is not a pleasant life to live like this and I know many others are worse off probably just as afraid to speak up. Have a great weekend and thanks again